Glasgow’s hospitality sector gets boost for World Cup

By Zach McJimpsey

Glasgow’s pubs and clubs will be allowed to stay open for Tartan Army fans to watch the World Cup until early in the morning. This extension will be valid for all game days between 11 June and 19 July.  

City of Glasgow Licencing Board will allow pubs, clubs and other licenced venues who already show sports games to remain open if they want to. They will be allowed to stay open and be able to serve alcohol until 30 minutes after the game finishes. This means that for Scotland's fixture against Haiti, many pubs will be allowed to stay open to around four in the morning.  

The Scottish Beer and Pub Association has estimated that this could boost the sector by £15m with a potential additional 3m pints being poured.  

This decision has been welcomed by City of Glasgow Council leader Susan Aiken. She said: “Glasgow is the home of Scottish football, and there's a real sense of pride and anticipation across the city, as we look forward to Scotland's World Cup journey.  

"The extended hours will provide an opportunity for the licensed trade to capitalise on this moment, if they wish, and give a boost to the wider local economy at a moment of huge excitement for fans." 

This decision follows a similar decision in Aberdeen, which has approved a blanket 3am limit with flexibility for the late kick off against Haiti. Other local authorities' decisions are due within the next few weeks.       

Bailie Margaret Morgan, Chair of the Licensing Board, said: "Scotland's participation in the World Cup is an event of national significance and a chance for the city to celebrate Scotland's success. It will undoubtedly create exciting new memories for fans of football. It is also an opportunity for our diverse communities to come together to support other national teams in the tournament.” 

With Scotland’s World Cup campaign set to capture the nation’s attention, Glasgow’s extended licensing hours aim to ensure fans can celebrate every moment together. The move is expected not only to create lasting memories for supporters, but also to deliver a significant boost to the city’s pubs, clubs and wider economy.